Volunteer Spotlight
Community Volunteer SUSIE SEIBERT
Susie Seibert
She/Her/Hers
She/Her/Hers
This month, we are spotlighting one of our long-time community volunteers, Susie Seibert! As a Chicagoan for over 30 years, Susie wanted to be a resource to programs geared towards literacy, educational advocacy and youth. Susie came to HOPES in 2017 eager to give back to her community! Outside of volunteering, Susie enjoys hiking and kayaking, with Lake Michigan being the first place she tried kayaking and fell in love with the hobby. She also enjoys going to the theatre and is looking forward to seeing productions once COVID restrictions ease.
Q: Why did you decide to volunteer with HOPES?
“Well, I have a passion for reading, both fiction and nonfiction genres. I also love working with youth. So, I wanted to combine both passions as a way to give back to my community! I found HOPES to be the best fit and also a place where I can not only be a resource as a volunteer, but can also gain knowledge about topics including the issue of homelessness and literacy support for youth.”
Q: What does being a volunteer mean to you?
“As I witness all of the challenges facing people all around the world, I want to be constructive and make some kind of a difference. So, I believe being a volunteer starts right where you are; helping those in your own city with the skills that you already have. It’s being present and involved in your surrounding community. ”
Q: What keeps you motivated to continue volunteering?
“COVID took a big hit on our students. They missed out, and are continuing to miss out, on so much. I believe seeing them persevere through all of this is something that motivated me. Seeing a student achieve an accomplishment, have a breakthrough or create a connection is so rewarding. I also enjoy hearing and having conversations with the students to gain insight into their passions, goals and even offer me a different perspective. I guess more than anything, the students motivate me to continue volunteering.”
Q: Can you tell me about your favorite memory so far with HOPES?
“Wow, I have so many! I guess one of my favorites happened during a HOPES Family Game Night. Now, during the program, there was one student who always seemed disinterested during program. It was sometimes hard to get a feel on his interests and to get him to participate. So, during family game night, we had a station for children and families to play chess. I saw the student watching the game and he decided to join in. He was a quick learner and even showed another student how to play! It felt good to see him finally find something he was interested in and went for it! I finally was able to gauge what his interests were and how we can even apply it during program. At the end of the game, he came up to me and asked, “Why in chess is the king so important when the queen does all the work?” I laughed and thought, ‘he makes a good point!’”
Outside of volunteering, Susie enjoys hiking and kayaking (fun fact: Lake Michigan was the first palace she tried kayaking and she immediately fell in love with the hobby). She also enjoys going to the theatre and is looking forward to seeing more productions once COVID restrictions ease.
Q: Why did you decide to volunteer with HOPES?
“Well, I have a passion for reading, both fiction and nonfiction genres. I also love working with youth. So, I wanted to combine both passions as a way to give back to my community! I found HOPES to be the best fit and also a place where I can not only be a resource as a volunteer, but can also gain knowledge about topics including the issue of homelessness and literacy support for youth.”
Q: What does being a volunteer mean to you?
“As I witness all of the challenges facing people all around the world, I want to be constructive and make some kind of a difference. So, I believe being a volunteer starts right where you are; helping those in your own city with the skills that you already have. It’s being present and involved in your surrounding community. ”
Q: What keeps you motivated to continue volunteering?
“COVID took a big hit on our students. They missed out, and are continuing to miss out, on so much. I believe seeing them persevere through all of this is something that motivated me. Seeing a student achieve an accomplishment, have a breakthrough or create a connection is so rewarding. I also enjoy hearing and having conversations with the students to gain insight into their passions, goals and even offer me a different perspective. I guess more than anything, the students motivate me to continue volunteering.”
Q: Can you tell me about your favorite memory so far with HOPES?
“Wow, I have so many! I guess one of my favorites happened during a HOPES Family Game Night. Now, during the program, there was one student who always seemed disinterested during program. It was sometimes hard to get a feel on his interests and to get him to participate. So, during family game night, we had a station for children and families to play chess. I saw the student watching the game and he decided to join in. He was a quick learner and even showed another student how to play! It felt good to see him finally find something he was interested in and went for it! I finally was able to gauge what his interests were and how we can even apply it during program. At the end of the game, he came up to me and asked, “Why in chess is the king so important when the queen does all the work?” I laughed and thought, ‘he makes a good point!’”
Outside of volunteering, Susie enjoys hiking and kayaking (fun fact: Lake Michigan was the first palace she tried kayaking and she immediately fell in love with the hobby). She also enjoys going to the theatre and is looking forward to seeing more productions once COVID restrictions ease.
